Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav is a festival of cultural significance celebrated all over the India. The history of its celebration dates back to pre-independence of India, when people were prohibited from gathering in large numbers. An Indian freedom fighter and social activist Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded the publicly celebrated Ganeshotsav festival (i.e. Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav) as a means of uniting people from diverse groups to enhance their sense of social belonging and promote cultural diversity. ASGS Inc formed in May 2013, shares the same vision. Several Indian and other ethnic associations exist in South Australia. We aim to bring people together from all associations irrespective of their background, to celebrate this cultural festival together.
About Adelaide Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav 2017:
This year, a two full day festival has been proposed to be held on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of September 2017 at Ukrainian Function Centre (The Ballroom Function Centre), 66 Orsmond Street, Hindmarsh, SA- 5007. This event will be organised by ASGS Inc with assistance from other members of the community who wish to assist in areas such as cultural programs, catering and volunteering etc. Sub committees will be formed in order to achieve this.
The types of activities planned include:
- Large display of Lord Ganesha sculpture put up in a colourfully decorated pavilion.
- Cultural show (songs, dance, skit, play) on both days by members of the local community. Efforts will be taken to include as many participants in this as possible.
- Traditional Dances (with unique instruments and traditional costumes) .
- Speeches by local MP, Lord Mayor and local councillors from city of Charles Sturt Council.
- Provision of refreshments and food for those attending.
- Spectacular procession with traditional Indian drum band.
- The hall will be decorated with lights, banners, rangoli colours to create a festive atmosphere.
This will be an event for all people who want to join us to celebrate Adelaide Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav 2017. People of all ages from various ethnic groups, cultures and different nationalities will be invited for this event. This will be certainly helpful to new migrants as they can mix up with locals, exchange their ideas and learn Australian values. All attendees will be benefitted from this event with their participation as a volunteer, artist or just as an attendee.
Event Outcomes:
ASGS Inc celebrated its first Adelaide Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in 2012. It was two hours event attended by about 100 people. Last year we celebrated our fifth year of the festival which was attended by more than 1200 people over two days. This year will be our sixth year of celebration and we are expecting even more people than last year. From the modest beginning in 2012, in last six years, ASGS Inc has been grown in to big organisation. The aim of our organisation and celebration of this festival is to connect people and bring them together, and thus create strong community. We will continue this in future as well.